National Balloon Classic

The National Balloon Classic is one of Iowa’s most iconic summer traditions and a project that brings together everything Gradient9 Studios loves about design, community, and unforgettable experiences. Each year, the event fills the skies with color, draws thousands of visitors, and creates lasting memories through the simple magic of hot air balloons.

The National Balloon Classic needed branding and marketing that could match the energy and excitement of the festival while staying true to its long-standing reputation. With such a recognizable event, the goal was to refresh the look and feel in a way that felt vibrant, welcoming, and unmistakably Balloon Classic—capturing both the spectacle in the sky and the sense of togetherness on the ground.

We worked across multiple areas of design and marketing support, beginning with brand development and a website refresh that helped modernize the event’s digital presence. The updated site and visual materials were designed to better serve attendees, sponsors, and the community by making event information easy to find and the overall experience more engaging.

To extend the brand beyond the website, we created a full range of event marketing materials that reflected the spirit of the festival. From custom-designed event shirts to flyers, stickers, and promotional graphics, every piece was built to feel cohesive, fun, and instantly recognizable. These elements helped strengthen the Balloon Classic identity while giving attendees something they could proudly wear, share, and take home.

We also supported ongoing audience engagement through scheduled social media and marketing content. By creating and planning posts that highlighted key event moments, promotions, and community excitement, we helped keep the Balloon Classic top-of-mind and build anticipation leading up to the event.

The National Balloon Classic is more than an event—it’s a celebration of tradition, wonder, and community. Gradient9 Studios is proud to support its continued growth through branding, design, and marketing that brings the experience to life both on the ground and in the sky.